Liverpool newbie could ‘split’ dressing room, says Kop hero

Liverpool hero Gary McAllister is worried that Mario Balotelli could ruin the atmosphere in his old club’s dressing room.

The Reds are set to seal a £16m deal for the AC Milan forward, making him their ninth big arrival of the summer.

Although a talented player who has won league titles in England and Italy, ‘Balo’ has long been seen as a disruptive influence, with his questionable work ethic and mad antics away from the pitch having seen him shifted on from Inter Milan and Manchester City in the past.

Many have suggested that the 24-year-old has now turned the corner, and the behaviour related clauses sad to be in his new contract – which is worth significantly less money than his deal at Milan – along with claims from his agent that this is his last chance have boosted talk that he is ready to settle down.

But McAllister – a star of Liverpool’s 2000/01 treble winning side – believes that he could ruin the harmony in the Anfield dressing room: